Join the NW CASC’s interactive workshop on December 12, designed to support you in incorporating narrative elements into your CV that help contextualize your skills and experiences and better communicate your work.
NW CASC’s 2023 Deep Dive Products Now Available
After months of collaborative work, the NW CASC is excited to share the products from its 2023 Deep Dive, Rising Seas and the Coastal Squeeze: Managing Inland Migration of Coastal Habitats in Response to Sea Level Rise, which convened Northwest scientists, natural resource managers and communities to collaboratively review what is known about coastal squeeze and to identify research and capacity needs for building resilience of shoreline and estuarine habitats in a changing climate. The NW CASC developed a suite of products covering the findings of the Deep Dive a summary report, three synthesis reports, compiled lists of relevant online tools, and a list of proposed project ideas.
Welcoming Our 2023-24 NW CASC Research Fellows
Join us in welcoming our 2023-24 NW CASC Research Fellows as they kick off their fellowship activities this fall! Each year, the NW CASC’s Research Fellowship Program enables a cohort of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from NW CASC’s consortium universities to develop decision-relevant science in collaboration with regional natural resource managers and decision-makers. Fellows receive support for research aligned with NW CASC science priorities as well as training in the co-production of decision-relevant science.
Helina Alvarez | Boise State University
Exploring the Intersection of Settler Colonialism and Climate Change on the Fort Hall Bottoms
Advisor: Libby Lunstrum
Brittanie Loftin | Boise State University
Modeling the Distribution of a Rare Idaho Native, the Cassia Crossbill, with Climate Change Implications
Advisor: Megan Cattau
Haley Hudson | Oregon State University
Understanding Low Oxygen Zones and Ocean Acidification in Puget Sound to Inform Tribal Resource Management
Advisor: Francis Chan
Caroline Bean | University of Montana
Resisting, Accepting, and Directing Trade-Offs: How do Resource Practitioners Navigate Ethical Dimensions of Land Management Decisions Within the Resist-Accept-Direct Framework?
Advisor: Laurie Yung
Jared Grummer | University of Montana
Conserving Native Montana Trout Populations by Identifying Environmental and Biological Factors Promoting the Spread of Invasive Trout
Advisor: Gordon Luikart
Michael Buck | University of Washington
Restoring the Relationship: Human Dimensions and Climate Resilience Strategy for Managing Pacific Lamprey Fisheries in the Columbia River
Advisor: Joshua Griffin
Madison Laughlin | University of Washington
Built-in Resilience? Understanding Conifer Seed and Cone Availability After Wildfire in Northwestern Cascadia
Advisor: Brian Harvey
Christine Nolan | University of Washington
Understanding the Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms Behind Eelgrass Flowering to Inform Restoration Efforts
Advisor: Takato Imaizumi
Edwin Jacobo | Washington State University
Migrating in a Warming World: Thermal and Fire Refugia for Migratory Birds en Route
Advisor: Jeff Manning
Alicia McGrew | Western Washington University
Back to the Future: Using Historical Data to Forecast Climate Change and Species Invasion Scenarios for Lake Whatcom, Washington
Advisor: Angela Strecker
Faces of Adaptation: Meet Leona Svancara
Leona Svancara is the new assistant regional administrator of the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center. Her research interests include assessing the effects of climate and landscape change on at-risk fish and wildlife species and their habitats and identifying and implementing conservation actions to address those effects.
Prior to joining USGS, Leona spent 17 years as a spatial ecologist with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) assessing the conservation and management needs of at-risk wildlife, incorporating those needs into agency planning, and engaging diverse partners to identify and implement actions to reduce impacts and inform management decisions. She has represented IDFG on the NW CASC Advisory Committee since 2013.
Leona received both her doctorate in natural resources and master’s in wildlife sciences from the University of Idaho, as well as a bachelor’s in zoology and marine biology from Humboldt State University. She is an adjunct faculty member at University of Idaho. In her spare time, she can usually be found on horseback in the backcountry with family and friends.
What led you to work in the field of climate adaptation?
Since my undergrad days at Humboldt State, I have worked on projects to identify and address threats to at-risk species, including both landscape change and climate change. As a graduate student and staff researcher at the University of Idaho, I was continually challenged to ask the question “So what?”. Evaluating, analyzing, assessing and planning can provide useful scientific information to inform decisions, but to really make a difference and answer the “so what” questions for these species and the habitats on which they depend, the science and relevant management actions need to be implemented, evaluated and adapted. After helping launch the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program in the region in the early 2000s, I jumped at the chance to affect conservation and management of at-risk species with IDFG in 2006. My work in climate adaptation naturally progressed while addressing state resource management issues over the last 17 years.
What does your day-to-day work look like?
At IDFG, I spent a lot of time evaluating changes in current and future species distributions and assessing species’ potential adaptive capacity. I worked closely with IDFG managers and various conservation partners to identify and implement conservation actions necessary to enable and enhance species’ resistance, resilience and response. My day-to-day work often encompassed both broader strategic planning and more specific project development and implementation. I was also involved in several multidisciplinary and interagency working groups (e.g., AFWA, WAFWA, NW CASC Advisory Committee) challenged with addressing climate change issues across broader extents. In my new position, I look forward to working with a greater audience of managers and partners to enhance the resilience of species and habitats in the Northwest.
How does your work support climate resilience in the Northwest?
My previous work at IDFG supported climate resilience through internal and external partnerships that led to research, planning, habitat management and outreach. For example, I worked with partners to identify species most sensitive to climate change, increase empirical assessments of their distribution and abundance and identify conservation opportunity areas likely to remain resilient to climate change to inform decision-making. I also worked with researchers to improve climate measures (e.g., snow cover, species-specific seasonal temperatures) at biologically relevant scales, including co-locating microclimate monitoring with species inventories. This allowed us to better describe microclimate habitat needs and develop more appropriate conservation actions.
In addition, I worked to incorporate climate change effects into species-specific management plans, the Idaho State Wildlife Action Plan and broader agency strategic plans. In my new position, I hope to leverage these experiences and connections to further enhance climate resilience of species and habitats across the Northwest.
What is your favorite thing about your climate adaptation work?
I really enjoy working with resource managers and biologists to tackle challenges in the conservation and management of a species or habitat. Few resource management actions are done solely in the name of climate change. Instead, they are focused on building resistant and resilient populations and habitats to withstand the effects of various forces, including climate change. Nothing beats the feeling of collaborating with a great group of people to address a pressing issue, seeing the results of their hard work implemented on the ground, and knowing that, even if the actions are not 100% successful, we can adapt and continue to make a difference.
Call for Co-Authors: Volume 2 of the Status of Tribes and Climate Change Report
Convened by the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, the Status of Tribes and Climate Change Working Group invites individuals with a passion for tribal communities, climate change, and Indigenous knowledges to express their interest in co-authoring Volume 2 of the Status of Tribes and Climate Change Report by filling out a form by September 14, 2023.
Now Hiring! NW CASC Postdoctoral ORISE Fellow
The NW CASC is now hiring a postdoctoral ORISE Fellow to support the development of a next-generation version of the Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI), a tool used by state and other wildlife management partners to conduct climate change vulnerability assessments for species. The Fellow will provide technical assistance and research on climate data analysis, statistical model development and testing, and human-computer interaction applications in support of the CCVI. The ORISE Fellow will closely interact with ecologists involved in refining the biological components of CCVI and will engage with natural-resource managers at federal and state agencies.
Candidates should have received a doctoral degree within the past five years or be currently pursuing the degree with completion before December 31, 2023. Strong candidates will have experience analyzing climate models and communicating science to non-technical audiences. Preferred position location is in Corvallis, Oregon, with the possibility of remote work. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
University of Washington Awarded Federal Funding to Host an Expanded Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
The University of Washington has been awarded $7.4 million to continue hosting the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC) for the next five years, leading a broad consortium of Northwest university and tribal partners to support natural and cultural resource managers in responding to climate risks and promoting regional resilience.
“We’re excited for this opportunity to expand our partners and programs to better serve the Northwest in preparing for climate risks and building regional resilience,” says NW CASC University Director, Meade Krosby.
“We’re excited for this opportunity to expand our partners and programs to better serve the Northwest in preparing for climate risks and building regional resilience,” says NW CASC University Director, Meade Krosby.
The NW CASC is one of nine regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers, which together serve the continental United States, Alaska, Hawai’i, the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands, and the U.S. Caribbean.
The Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington has hosted the NW CASC since 2017, during which time the Center has led ambitious partnerships and programming. Through its Research Fellowship Program, the NW CASC has supported 69 graduate students and postdoctoral scholars across its Consortium, whose climate adaptation projects have engaged more than 80 resource management partner organizations. The NW CASC has also developed and led Actionable Science Deep Dives, annual events that bring scientists and resource managers together to better understand and respond to emerging climate risks of significant regional management concern. The NW CASC is excited to continue these and other programs into the next funding cycle, while also bringing on new Consortium members and launching new programming.
New Consortium Partners, New Opportunities
Northwest CASC host, University of Washington, and Consortium members Boise State University, Oregon State University, University of Montana, Washington State University and Western Washington University will be joined by new Consortium members Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), Northwest Indian College (NWIC) and Portland State University. Each NW CASC Consortium partner brings unique expertise in supporting regional climate resilience and is dedicated to building capacity for climate adaptation within resource management agencies and among the next generation of researchers for addressing climate impacts. The addition of ATNI and NWIC will enhance the NW CASC’s ability to support the climate adaptation efforts of Northwest tribes, while new programs will expand the NW CASC’s ability to deliver actionable science to promote regional resilience.
The Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center Consortium consists of the following members:
University of Washington (UW), Host
Meade Krosby, PI & University Director
Scott Kalafatis, Co-PI & University Deputy Director
Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI)
Chas Jones, Co-PI
Boise State University (BSU)
Alejandro Flores, Co-PI
Kendra Kaiser, Co-PI
Northwest Indian College (NWIC)
Emma Norman, Co-PI
Oregon State University (OSU)
Selina Heppell, Co-PI
Portland State University (PSU)
Paul Loikith, Co-PI
University of Montana (UM)
Solomon Dobrowski, Co-PI
Washington State University (WSU)
Jan Boll, Co-PI
Julie Padowski, Co-PI
Western Washington University (WWU)
John Rybczyk, Co-PI
NW CASC Study Uses Drones to Collect Samples for Assessing Tree Health in a Changing Climate
Source: Michael Case, The Nature Conservancy
Across the Northwest, hotter and drier conditions are affecting tree health and stressing our forests, spurring scientists and forest managers to seek practices that help our forests cope under climate change. In a recent NW CASC-supported study, Aaron Ramirez and colleagues, with partners from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), set out to explore how trees respond physiologically to different restoration practices. They were particularly interested in how restoration practices influence the ways that trees use water. A tree’s water movement system, or its vascular system, is critical to its survival and also tends to be the first place where problems show up, serving as an early indicator of a tree’s overall health.
Checking out the state of a tree’s vascular system requires getting tissue samples, which is no small task when working with very big trees. Luckily, the research team had the help of drones, which can provide creative solutions to data collection challenges, especially as they become more available and affordable. In a new TNC story on this work, Ramirez explains, “Our trees in the Pacific Northwest are some of the largest in the world and often in rugged landscapes that might otherwise be inaccessible — that’s where the drones come in. They allow us to quickly and efficiently sample the tissue we need, opening up a whole world of opportunity for assessing the trees’ physiological health.”
The research team collected samples in the Ellsworth Creek Preserve in Southwest Washington, where ecological restoration practices are being used in previously logged forests, with the goal of restoring the structures and functions found in old growth forests. The researchers found that in addition to improving structural complexity and understory plant diversity, the restoration practices are also increasing the amount of water available to large and mature trees, potentially increasing the capacity of the trees to survive future drought conditions.
This study is one of the first to demonstrate these effects in a temperate rainforest ecosystem. The next steps of this research are to continue working with managers to provide data and information to help fine tune their management approaches and facilitate these kinds of positive effects on forest ecosystem function. Thanks to the drones, this type of precision forest restoration is not far off!
Faces of Adaptation: Meet Kylie Avery
Kylie Avery is the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center’s Assistant Tribal Climate Resilience Liaison through the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI). Kylie is an enrolled Shawnee Tribal Citizen and is based in Seattle, Washington. In her role, she engages with Tribal governments and NGOs on Tribal issues as they pertain to climate change, resource vulnerability and climate adaptation actions.
Kylie received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology with a minor in Native American Studies from University of California, Davis. Prior to her work with the NW CASC, she completed a fellowship with the Strategic Energy Innovations’ Climate Corps program where she was paired with ATNI as a Climate Fellow. When not working, Kylie enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
What led you to work in the field of climate adaptation?
I grew up in San Diego County and did a lot of conservation work through programs with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. In my undergraduate work, I focused on anthropogenic effects on wildlife. While I did not focus exclusively on climate in school, the effects of climate change influence all fields I have been involved in.
What does your day-to-day work look like?
My role as a Liaison is to develop partnerships to advance Tribal resilience to climate impacts and to serve as an informational hub between Tribes, Federal agencies, researchers, and other Tribal and non-Tribal partners.
My role as a Liaison is to develop partnerships to advance Tribal resilience to climate impacts and to serve as an informational hub between Tribes, Federal agencies, researchers, and other Tribal and non-Tribal partners. When I am not working from home, I am attending intertribal events and connecting directly with Tribes.
How does your work support climate resilience in the Northwest?
The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians supports climate resilience by connecting Tribes to grant opportunities, offering free workshops on various topics and hosting regional and national meetings and events. Some of these opportunities include the National Tribal Leadership Climate Change Summit, the Northwest Tribal Clean Energy Summit, and Tribal Climate Camp.
What is your favorite thing about your work?
I really enjoy the range of work I am involved in. Being able to connect directly with a variety of people always keeps me on my toes.
UW Climate Impacts Group Hiring Climate Resilience Specialist
The UW Climate Impacts Group, host of the NW CASC, is hiring Climate Resilience Specialist to synthesize literature, engage with partners and apply research on climate impacts and adaptation, with a focus on resilience planning, prioritization and effectiveness. Strong candidates will have experience in climate resilience planning, implementation and evaluation. Application review will begin on August 28, 2023.